Genesis P-Orridge – co-founder of industrial bands Throbbing Gristle and Psychic TV, as well as other avant-garde projects such as the artist collective COUM Transmissions – has died aged 70.
The announcement came this evening (March 14), in a post from Dais Records, which also shared a statement from P-Orridge’s daughters, Caresse and Genesse P-Orridge.
“Dear friends, family and loving supporters,” the statement reads. “It is with very heavy hearts that we announce thee passing of our beloved father, Genesis Breyer P-Orridge.”
“S/he had been battling leukemia for two and a half years and dropped he/r body early this morning, Saturday March 14th, 2020.”
“S/he will be laid to rest with h/er other half, Jaqueline ‘Lady Jaye’ Breyer who left us in 2007, where they will be re-united.”
P-Orridge originally formed COUM Transmissions in the late 60s, and went on to found Throbbing Gristle with fellow member Cosey Fanni Tutti in 1975. After the breakup of Throbbing Gristle in 1981, s/he created the video art and music project Psychic TV, as well as Thee Temple ov Psychick Youth, an accompanying organisation with a cult following.
Musicians including John Talabot and Zola Jesus have paid tribute, with the latter calling P-Orridge’s death an “unbearable loss”.